ED RN looking to join the military

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I am just in the researching part now but very interested to read what everyone has to say about Navy vs AF; going to school for CNA; and pay differences, etc! Thanks in advance for your help and guidance!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

the military for a cna??????...does not compute.

the military for a crna...that computes.

please check out our military nursing forum via the forum link below.

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Dear EDRN:

Bravo to you for considering a military RN career. I was interested in joining myself - and ultimately could not - about which more in a minute. The USAF and USN are looking for RNs, but if you really want to be sought-after, the Army Nurse Corps might be the way to go. I had one AMEDD recruiter tell me that they are very hard up for people right now, so you could write your ticket. Other members of this forum probably know for sure, but I think the benefits and bonuses are pretty good right now. Bear in mind that if you join the ANC, you stand a pretty good chance of being deployed. I know a guy - a former AD soldier now an Army Major & RN - who has done tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq, including time with an FST (forward surgical team). He's been out of the U.S. two out of the last four years. I myself wanted to serve as a combat medic or USNR corpsman, but was unable to because of age. I may try the nurse corps one of these days.. we'll see. Right now, I am pretty ticked off at the military because of age discrimination. Especially when I far exceed the performance requirements for the gig, despite my age. Anyway, if you are interested, contact the nearest AMEDD recruiter. Also visit "Military.com," a website that caters to present and potential members of the military. Under each branch of service that has medical services (USN, USAF, USArmy), there will be a thread for medicine or medics. A guy with the handle "Sekar" is one of the moderators on the website; he's a retired medic/LPN and senior NCO. He's a good resource, as he's been around. There's also plenty of members over there who have served, so you can ask your questions in a pressure-free environment.

Good luck!

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In response to KristyEDRNs last post. I was a medic in the Army. Became an RN immediately upon ETS. I have done quite a bit of research on CRNA schools and DID include the top ranked Army and Navy schools in my research just for fun because I would LOVE to go. They are the best I am sure. I spent 8 years in the Army and loved ALMOST every minute. To respond to your first question: Navy vs Air Force--Air Force doesn't have a CRNA school, you'd go to either the Army school in Texas (didactic), or the Navy school in Maryland (didactic). Many of my still active friends say it's easier/faster to make rank in the Navy (heresay-but that's the word). I emailed one of the persons responsible for the Army program and was given some data on the bonus structure which IS a significant boost to the income scale that all branches of military officers are paid in accordance with. Of concern is the fact that a CRNA is still paid much less in the military than in the private sector for the most part. Especially when you consider the amount of work you'd be doing. Which I think is great. Experience, and taking care of service-persons. Nothing better. But I am older and my kids are grown so I can afford to feel that way. It should definately be a consideration. I am an ED RN too, I will be applying to programs this winter. I cannot consider the military again because of my age--otherwise I would in a heart beat. The training I received in the Army far surpassed ANYTHING I've seen in the civillian sector. I worked in a SICU with the best RNs, Anesthesiologists, CRNAs,Surgeons, etc., that it's ever been my priviledge to know. Those people laid the foundation from which I've built my professional house. I am forever grateful. There are many links I can hook you up with but visit the sites of the schools themselves and then talk to recruiters. Get everything in writing. Make sure your spot is guaranteed. The word is-- it's harder if you are already active to get accepted. The military is always looking for ways to fill their needs. They CAN guarantee your spot so don't hear otherwise. I know someone who did exactly that. She worked in my ER, went to the Army school directly. Last I heard she was Chief of Anesthesia at Ft Sill in OK. I hope that was somewhat helpful--

Good luck with your search. Go carefully.

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Thank you both so much! I look forward to learning more and I am very excited about the opportunities to serve my country. I was actually sworn in to the Army Reserves in 95 but found out that I was pregnant right before training. Well, I know it was God's way of saying not yet little one! But I am definitely ready now and truly blessed to have the chance. Again, thank you both.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Now moving thread to Military Nursing forum.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Good luck Kristy. I will say, the training and education of military nurses is second-to-none. You could do worse. Just be prepared for the rigors of military life and the possible strain it will put on your parenting. Hopefully you have excellent support for you when you have to go overseas and/or deploy....make sure that little one is well-looked-after, so you won't worry about him/her. GOOD LUCK with the decisions you make and your future career, wherever it takes you (or really, you take it).

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Deb,

Thank you so much. Like I've said, I am very excited and truly look forward to all of the opportunities this will provide. I still haven't gotten a call from an AF recruiter...weird. I will have to revisit that site and make sure I did it right...anyway...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Deb,

Thank you so much. Like I've said, I am very excited and truly look forward to all of the opportunities this will provide. I still haven't gotten a call from an AF recruiter...weird. I will have to revisit that site and make sure I did it right...anyway...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Why wait on the AF? ... Go ANC

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Corvette Guy,

I have actually been talking to an Army Recruiter for awhile today about the reserves and am definitely considering the possibility. I have been disappointed because neither AF or Navy will accept that I have an ADN and BS as far as me joining as a nurse...even as a reservist. Very, very disappointing. I am scared of the Army because I don't want to be so close to the actual fighting/bombing, etc. I don't mind deployment at all, it is the whole getting shot at thing that I am not so crazy about.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Kristy-

I would ask LOTS of questiuons from this recruiter. I believe all three services require a BSN to be a nurse, I could be wrong. Sure they will let you join, but you may end up as a medic, not a nurse. This has happened to more than a couple of my corpsmen. Make absolutely sure you are receiving a commission as an officer for your ADN. Not trying to be a bummer, just make sure your not getting double-talked. It just sounds odd to me. Here's an excerpt from the www.goarmy.com website...

"You must have an associate's degree in nursing or a three-year nursing diploma or a bachelor of science in nursing for the Army Reserve; have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing for Active Duty."

So if active duty is what you are looking at, you need a BSN. Good luck.

LT Dan

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Lt. Dan, Thank you for your concern. We were indeed talking about joining at the reserve status first as a 1st Lt. (due to yrs of exper.) and then persue my BSN. THEN I am looking towards becoming a CRNA. I am curious though...about whether it would be better to stay reserves until I get my CRNA b/c I have read a lot of people have to wait a long time after rec'g BSN in the service to get into CRNA and I wonder if I wait to go active until assured of getting into the school I might would then have a better chance. I think my English teacher would have called that a run on sentence!

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